Points of Pride
An Academic Powerhouse
South Dakota Mines is recognized among the nation's best engineering schools. Our 12:1 student-faculty ratio and uniquely designed experiences allow students to learn while making meaningful connections with peers and professors.
Hands-on Learning
Mines students are "hands-on from Day 1" in the classroom and outside of it. Through internships, co-ops, and fieldwork, our students and graduates are prepared to hit the ground running and tackle real-world problems in industry and beyond.
Research that Matters
From renewable energy to healthcare innovations, we're helping to solve global challenges. Mines students and faculty work in cutting-edge labs, and our partnerships with leading companies ensure our research is practical, yet forward-thinking.
Leadership Development
From student organizations to mentorship, entrepreneurship, and study abroad programs, we develop leaders at South Dakota Mines, and those leaders give back in big ways - donating thousands of hours of community service each year.
South Dakota Mines is proud to be recognized as a Research College and University (RCU) in the latest cycle of Carnegie Classifications.
2026 Awards & Rankings
- Forbes Top Colleges for 2026 - Forbes continually ranks Mines as the South Dakota university with the best return on investment
- Wall Street Journal - America's Best Colleges 2026, ranking undergraduate institutions by the value they provide to students
- US News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges - #6 public university in the region and #9 best college for veterans in the Midwest
- Niche - Top 6% of the best small colleges in the nation and #1 in South Dakota
- SmartAsset - #13 on list of America's Best Value Small Colleges and Universities
- UniversityHQ - #1 overall university in the state to earn a bachelor's and master's degree
- OnlineMasters.com - Multiple top 10 recognitions, including #1 in Online Master's in Engineering Degree Programs
- Research.com - 2026 Best Engineering Degree Programs in South Dakota award
- Military Friendly - Military Friendly® School Top Ten and Military Spouse Friendly® School
- 2026 Governor's Giant Vision Competition - 1st place, student and open divisions
Strong Outcomes
We're serious about maximizing our students' return on investment. Mines graduates are poised for post-graduation success – whether they're entrepreneurs anxious to start their own business, or alums lending their talents to powerhouse companies or government agencies like NASA, Northrup Grumman, Google, or Garmin.
94% placement rate within 6 months of graduation
$76,804 average starting salary for 2025 graduates
2025 grads employed in 192 companies across 36 states
Top Hiring Companies for 2025 Graduates:
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Outstanding Alumni
With a network spanning top companies and cutting-edge research institutions, South Dakota Mines graduates are driving progress, solving complex challenges, and shaping the future. Our alums are leaders, innovators, and changemakers at the forefront of industries like aerospace, energy, technology, and many others, and their success is a testament to the world-class education and hands-on experience they gained during their time as Hardrockers.